CHERRY TWP — Tax collectors for the Moniteau School District petitioned the board of directors for an increase in wages Monday night, Nov 11.

Megan Niggel, a tax collector for Concord Township and the district, was joined by two district collectors, Lori Ann Spreng and Sally McGallis, to present the petition.

Their petition, which was read at the board’s meeting, asked the board to consider an increase in wages for the four-year term beginning in 2026.

“We ask that the freeze in wage compensation be removed. It is my understanding that it has been more than 24 years since the last increase in wages for Moniteau School District tax collectors,” Niggel said.

In 1997, the school board froze the wages of tax collectors for the district at a certain pay rate and cap. Since then, no changes have been made.

The collectors say they hit their cap “usually by October” and receive no other wages for the remainder of the year, despite continued collection.

“In the past year, I myself have been collecting upward of over $100,000 after reaching that cap along with preparing courtesy notices that are required to be mailed out in November, and also meeting the needs of the taxpayers,” Niggel said.

The tax collectors asked the board to consider the increase in cost of living and the amount of money spent to supply their offices in their decision.

Sally McGallis, who has been doing tax collection for 35 years, said she made more money before the freeze was put into effect compared to now.

When asked for a preferred solution by board President Michael Panza, Niggel said removal of the cap would allow for compensation throughout the collection period.

Some members of the board were curious as to the reason the cap initially was placed.

The board asked to have Superintendent Aubrie Schnelle alongside Austin Blauser, the district’s business manager, to investigate further and to see what would be both affordable and fair.

“These people are working hard. Let’s see what we can do for them,” Panza said.

The board hopes to have a solution before the end of the year.

The board also unanimously approved a resolution to join a class-action lawsuit against Eli Lilly and Company which alleges the company conspired to artificially raise insulin prices.

The next board of directors meeting will be Nov. 25.